De La Cruz Deliver's \'Topes' 7-1 Victory
Published on June 16, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Starter Frankie De La Cruz was brilliant again, allowing one run in six innings of work to guide the Albuquerque Isotopes (33-36) to a 7-1 win over the Omaha Royals (33-35), wrapping up a second straight win. For the second consecutive night, the âTopes offense was also potent, blasting three home runs in the first two innings. The âTopes were on fire to start the game, plating four runs in the opening stanza. Chris Barnwell drew a one-out walk and stole second in front of John Gall, who hit a single to bring in the runner with the game's first run. Dallas McPherson then came out swinging with a monstrous two-run homer to right-center that extended the lead to 3-0 Albuquerque. The vey next batter, Tagg Bozied followed suit with another home run out to left field that capped the scoring and gave the Isotopes a 4-0 cushion. Albuquerque struck again in the second thanks to another long ball, this one off the bat of John Baker, who led off the frame with a solo blast to right field on the first pitch he saw to give Albuquerque a 5-0 lead. Lorenzo Scott then reached first on a perfectly executed bunt single and stole second before Gall roped another single, scoring Scott and increasing the edge to 6-0. Gall finished off the âTopes scoring in the fourth, when Jai Miller led off the frame with a walk, stole second, and immediately scampered into third on an errant throw from catcher Matt Tupman. With two away and Miller perched on third, Gall knocked his third straight hit, easily plating the runner and giving Albuquerque a commanding 7-0 lead. With his five-for-five performance on Saturday, Gall tied an Isotopes record with hits in eight consecutive at-bats, equaling a mark set by Robert Andino in June of last year. The seven-run cushion was more than enough for De La Cruz (8-3), who cruised through six frames, allowing just a solo home run by Damon Hollins in the sixth, while scattering five hits, walking three, and striking out a season-high-tying nine en route to his eighth victory of the season. Spelling De La Cruz, relievers Scott Nestor, Taylor Tankersly, and Chris Michalak finished off the O-Royals, allowing a combined two hits in three shutout innings to seal the 7-1 âTopes triumph. Albuquerque will look for its first series win since April 19-21 and a third straight victory on Monday behind right-hander Gaby Hernandez (2-6, 5.58), who will take on Royals lefty Tyler Lumsden (2-7, 6.71). First pitch at Isotopes Park is slated for 7:05 PM. Fans can come out Sunday for another giveaway as the first 3,000 fans will receive a bandana, courtesy of Macy's. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.
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- De La Cruz Deliver's âTopes' 7-1 Victory - Albuquerque Isotopes
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